She said: “During the process of recording The Shadow Self, I realised that there were so many tracks, too many too dear to me, for just one album. So I decided to keep nothing for myself and to share all my favourite new songs with you.

“The Brightest Void gives more than a first taste of The Shadow Self. I hope the release of the prequel sweetens the wait until August and that you will like the songs as much as I do.”

Tarja has scheduled a string of European festival appearances in the coming months. Both of her albums are also available for pre-order.